Pumping of environmental water secured for Gunbower Forest from The Living Murray program will begin this week, allowing Reedy Lagoon to be inundated for the first time in nearly three years. 

According to the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), which is coordinating the watering, two gigalitres will be pumped into the lagoon from Gunbower Creek over the next month. 

“While gravity water deliveries through regulators are used wherever possible, pumping is the only option to deliver water to the wetland while Gunbower Creek flows are low and the Reedy Lagoon regulator is inoperable,” said North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer, Damian Wells.

“The water will bring the wetland plants back to life and provide an additional feeding ground for the waterbirds already breeding in the forest in the Little Gunbower wetland area closer to Koondrook.

“This wetland is an important one on the Murray floodplain – it remains largely natural and supports a diverse range of wetland plants – setting it apart from other wetlands along the Murray. Additionally, the delivery of environmental water will provide important drought refuge for birds, fish and frogs,” Mr Wells continued.

“The local community needs to be aware of possible road closures in the areas receiving water,” Mr Wells said. “We ask that the public be careful when entering Gunbower Forest to keep an eye out for signs advising of possible road closures, and not to access these tracks whilst water is being delivered or throughout the time when the forest is flooded. This is important for both public safety reasons and the maintenance of forest tracks.”

The environmental watering in Gunbower Forest has been managed by the North Central CMA in partnership with Goulburn-Murray Water and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Environmental water is water legally set aside for protecting important sites and does not affect farmer’s water allocations or town supplies.

The Living Murray is a joint initiative funded by the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian, Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth governments, coordinated by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au